Delegation of Tibetologists in Switzerland for exchange visit

BEIJING, July 19, 2008 -- A delegation of Chinese Tibetologists has
arrived in Switzerland for an academic exchange visit. The Swiss tour is
the first in nearly a decade for such a delegation. Their aim is to
promote understanding of the Tibet Autonomous Region.

On Thursday, the visiting Tibetologists held a meeting with
representatives of overseas Chinese in Switzerland.

During the meeting, the scholars told the representatives about the
development and progress the Tibet Autonomous Region has achieved since
the beginning of democratic reform in Tibet.

They fully explained the facts relating to the March 14th riot. The
scholars also discussed the nature of the Dalai Lama's so-called
"high-degree autonomy for Tibet"... aiming to reduce misunderstandings.

The scholars also briefed the representatives on the basic
situation of the social and economic development of the Tibet Autonomous
Region. And also on the recent negotiations between representatives from
the Chinese central government and the Dalai Lama.

Wen Quan, one Tibetologist said "Our main task is to introduce a
real and current Tibet to overseas Chinese, the local media and ordinary
people to let them know up-to-date and accurate information."

Representative of Overseas Chinese Students in Switzerland said
"What I learned most from the meeting is the history and current
situation of the Tibet Autonomous Region, and the nature of the March
14th riot."

Another Representative of Overseas Chinese Students in Switzerland
said "This meeting is a very good opportunity for me to better know
about the Tibet Autonomous Region. I will help my colleagues in
Switzerland understand what the real Tibet is like. "

The delegation of Chinese Tibetologists arrived in Switzerland on
Thursday, after wrapping up their visit in Britain.

The scholars are also scheduled to meet with local media, Swiss
diplomats and representatives of Tibetans in Switzerland during their visit.